Is it only for very mild teeth, or would it work on crooked ones too..not horrible, just bad? And more importantly, I know they *say* it's invisible, but can you see it when it's worn? I heard it looks like your teeth are very filmy- does it look bad? Also, I know the prices start at around $3500...is that more expensive than traditional braces? I know it's a case by case basis, but generally speaking, is invisalign more expensive and would you recommend it?
2006-11-05 00:24:10 · 4 answers · asked by Tedster 2 in Health ➔ Dental
Check this out: http://www.invisalign.com/generalapp/us/
You will get some idea what is possible with Invisalign. My own rule is to look for no more than 2 mm movement PER TOOTH with Invisalign. There are combination procedures that I just don't do that can accomplish more, though. To me, this belongs in the realm of the orthodontist.
As far as what they look like, the site will show you some, but here's a weird example. These are some vampire fangs that I made for my son for Halloween. His fangs are the BOTTOM photos. This is exactly how Invisalign is made and exactly how it looks, minus the fangs, of course. I did my son's teeth with Invisalign. (He still needs to have one tooth shortned half a millimeter...) He works as a receptionist in my office, so he is on the phone all the time. He always wore his appliances to work. They did not alter his speech and they really were not visible. I used him as a "demonstrator" all the time when he was in active treatment and people couldn't believe he had anything on his teeth until he took them out to show them.
http://www.members.aol.com/swf08302/fangs.jpg
2006-11-05 05:52:17 · answer #1 · answered by Picture Taker 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure where KevinH is getting his information, but having talked to many general dentists all over the USA, I can tell you that most of them charge LESS for Invisalign than for regular braces.
I live in a big city with relatively high cost of living - Invisalign here starts around $2700.
An experienced dentist can do difficult cases with Invisalign. Talk to several before deciding. After taking impressions of your teeth, the case is sent in to the laboratory and only then can a determination be made if Invisalign is right for you.
If you keep the aligners clean as instructed, they will not become "filmy." A person looking closely at you will notice them, but they are very hard to notice. You get used to talking with them in a short time.
I have seen many people get great results with Invisalign. Check prices in your area, but I think KevinH does not know the facts: Invisalign probably costs LESS than metal braces.
2006-11-05 03:09:26 · answer #2 · answered by emmalue 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just was finding out more about Invisalign today at my dentist! Price given to me was $4,900 (my insurance should cover $1,000), so it would cost me $3900 I saw the mouth pieces and they are clear molded pieces that fit over your teeth. They can come out but you should wear them 24/7. I have crowns on the bottom so I have concerns there, but dentist assures me it's no problem. I had braces as a child (now 47 years old) so I am supposedly an easier case. Good luck!
2006-11-07 11:16:01 · answer #3 · answered by sueiscozier 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Invisalign is for crooked teeth. But it is just for minor cases. Your orthodontist will decide. Invisalign costs more then regular braces.
2006-11-05 03:00:31 · answer #4 · answered by Kevin H 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋